Birth Right: Galak’s Rising by Christina Goebel

“Sci-fi and fantasy readers seeking a story that bridges several subgenres and fills its pages with impossible challenges and hope against all odds will find Birth Right: Galak’s Rising an excellent story that stands well on its own, but sets the stage for more stories in the series. It’s a vivid, memorable tale of choices, consequences, and their lasting impact on the future of humanity that will linger in the mind long after the final struggle’s outcome.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

What do you do when the world’s greatest power has no conscience?

Two, not of blood, but joined in blood,
may conquer only as a selfless act of love.
–from The Prophecy of the Dancers of Silence

The illustrated dystopian science fiction epic fantasy Birth Right Trilogy depicts the first battles of a brutal war between humans, cyborgs, robots, and genetically enhanced beings. In the first book, Birth Right: Galak’s Rising, you are introduced to the Valki and Galak.

At the onset of a technological war that could destroy their race and the technology that made them superior, the genetically enhanced Valki traveled more than a century into the future.

In this new civilization, Galak, a cruel cyborg obsessed with creating his own race of superior beings, induces the remaining human feudal and native tribes to war against one another. To limit the Valki population, births are restricted to one per woman, unless they are twins. Galak demands that Valki teen twins compete for a Birthright, the right to have children—or be sterilized.

The courage of two young Valki women to resist Galak’s law pits princes, kings, and mighty warriors against a merciless and powerful foe.

To save humanity, the girls, named only 99 and 100, and their allies must resist an opponent who has the field and technological advantages. Only those willing to sacrifice everything can defeat their enemies.

The Birth Right Trilogy explores the ethical implications of technology with adventure, romance, humor, and terror.

Kent Burles created the nineteen illustrations for Galak’s Rising.

Targeted Age Group:: 14-110Heat/Violence Level: Heat Level 3 – PG-13

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I saw this book as a movie during my commute to college. Eventually, I had to write the book because it wouldn't leave me alone.

How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
I viewed several of the character's in my mind's eye. Prince Henry and Muso are inspired by Shakespeare's Prince Henry and Falstaff of Henry IV and Henry V. However, I split the Falstaffian character between two characters, so that I would have more comedy within the story line. The female characters are an amalgamation of many female athletes and rebels I have known.

Book Sample
100’s hands tremble as she approaches the Dall Building, both at the touch of the sad building, and at beginning the journey for which she has trained. She must be confident. She’s ready to face all dangers.

“Valki, what are you doing here? This area’s off limits to your kind.” 100’s resolve melts at the sight of the warrior with a black pyramid helmet that doesn’t reveal thoughts—or pity.

“I’m here to do laundry, of course. The maid’s lost it. She’s being punished, but I still need to wear clothes, don’t I?”

The G looks over 100. “This area’s off limits. Go home and wear the clothes you are wearing now.”

100 explains, “But, you don’t understand—”

The G warrior inspects her closely. “You’re lying; your pupils indicate it. You don’t need to be here. You’re trying to escape. I may apprehend you now, in this situation; according to Galak Law, a Valki may be arrested for trying to escape. You must obey.” The G grabs 100’s arm and pulls her toward the Dall Building.